Think Pink

Laser Sharp: There’s a word HOF’s Mark Showalter uses to describe the show - “powerful.” Kevin Jewell

A Floyd show fit for Henry Miller Library.

Thursday, July 22, 2010

No one knows better than Mark Showalter how difficult it is to recreate the ethereal and cosmic experience of a live Pink Floyd show. But for the past five years, the veteran musician has been edging as close as he realistically can – down to the miniscule nuances like the spastic typewriter sounds in “Speak to Me” or a jumbo inflated pig – with his Bay Area Pink Floyd tribute, House of Floyd.

“I’ve always loved Pink Floyd,” says vocalist/keyboardist/saxophonist Showalter. “You got to do it right; you can’t do a half-ass show.”

HOF made sure they did the Brit-psych band justice methodically: They spent a year practicing the songs, collecting song rights and building up an impressive repertoire of effects – multiple lasers, hazers and video projections – before playing their first live show.

“We’ve built a pretty powerful show over the years,” Showalter says.

One of the reasons the show yields consistent praise is its musicianship. The group of seven includes Showalter’s wife of 27 years, Sheri, who can effortlessly nail the vocals on demanding tunes like “Great Gig in the Sky.”

Since its origination, HOF has mastered a majority of the Pink Floyd discography, from fan faves like Dark Side of the Moon to the obscure soundtrack More.

Come Saturday night, HOF’s mission will receive a cosmic boost in its efforts to reflect the Pink Floyd trip that has lasted for more than 40 years: Special guest/former Frank Zappa bassist Scott Thunes will also take the stage.